Hayward man accused of fatal motel shooting arrested in Las Vegas

By Natalie Neysa Alund Bay Area News Group

Posted:
07/29/2014 06:06:35 AM PDT

Updated:
07/29/2014 06:07:02 AM PDT

HAYWARD -- A Hayward man wanted in a fatal motel shooting in the city's north end last month was awaiting extradition Monday after being located by police in Las Vegas and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Pedro Cruz, 24, was nabbed this month in connection to the June 5 shooting death of Carlos Cetina, 24, at the Budget Inn, 21598 Foothill Blvd., Hayward police Sgt. Mark Ormsby said.

Cetina was found by a maid about 11:50 a.m. lying in bed with a single gunshot wound to the head in a room on the motel's second floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Motel workers told police that the night before, Cetina had checked into the motel room alone.

Pedro Cruz, 34, of Hayward was arrested on suspicion of murder July 18 for the June 5 slaying of Carlos Cetina, 24.
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Pedro Cruz
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Initial findings were limited because there were no witnesses and there was no evidence at the scene, Ormsby said. But over the course of six weeks detectives obtained a lead indicating Cruz was the alleged shooter and obtained a warrant for his arrest. They later found Cruz in Las Vegas.

Cruz was taken into custody on July 18 by FBI's Criminal Apprehension Team, Ormsby said.

Police said it appeared he had relocated to Las Vegas and had no intention of returning to California.

Cruz was booked in Las Vegas on the warrant and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office has charged him with murder. On Monday police said he had waived extradition and Hayward police were in the process of getting a letter signed by the governor to mandate his return to California.